“There are nearly 400 Estonian companies exporting to Ukraine, and we aim to increase this number. Our companies are keen to bring their solutions to Ukraine, particularly in the digital, energy, defence and infrastructure sectors, where Estonia has strong expertise,” Ratnik said.
Although companies’ activity continues to be constrained by security risks, regulatory complexity, uncertainty regarding financing and a lack of guarantees, Ratnik noted that business interest is growing, especially where EU guarantees and insurance instruments help reduce market entry risks. Clear projects and reliable local partners are essential.
The European Union’s Ukraine Investment Framework and other financing instruments help mitigate risks and attract private capital to the market. Estonia actively supports the participation of its companies in Ukraine’s reconstruction. “At present, a delegation of Estonian defence industry companies is in Kyiv, and it will soon be followed by a visit from companies in the energy and clean technology sectors,” Ratnik noted. She added that the experience of Estonian companies already operating in Ukraine shows that early entry provides a long-term competitive advantage.
Ratnik stressed that adherence to the rule of law, transparent and digital governance, and simple administrative procedures are key to attracting investment. Estonia’s experience shows that investment flows to places where there is clarity, speed and trust. “A digital and transparent state is the strongest investment magnet, as you cannot bribe a machine,” Ratnik said.
Ratnik affirmed that Estonia sees Ukraine as a future member of the European Union and an integral part of the European economic area. “The goal is the full integration of Ukraine into the EU economic area – from the alignment of standards to the development of joint projects and supply chains,” she said.
Estonian companies ZeroTerrain, Milrem, KrattWorks, and Top Marine are also participating in the summit. As part of the summit, a meeting of special envoys for Ukraine’s reconstruction was held with Ukraine’s Minister of Economy Oleksii Sobolev. The focus was on improving opportunities for business and investment in Ukraine – issues that will certainly need to be further developed in practical terms, including at the Ukraine Recovery Conference to be held in Estonia in 2027.
